Shawn Crystal (Marvel, DC, Spawn Universe, Deadpool, and co-host of the InkPulp Podcast) joins Nerdy Mewzings for a deep, fun conversation about his journey from late-blooming comic book fan to full-time creator, the InkPulp Podcast origin story, and pivoting into professional tattooing while still crushing covers and creator-owned work.

Key highlights:

-Getting into comics later: Discovering Dark Knight Returns, Todd McFarlane Spider-Man, and falling in love with the medium

-Early grind: WildStorm Resident Evil, long gaps between gigs, teaching at SCAD Atlanta while hustling samples

-InkPulp Podcast beginnings: Eric Canete (the "final boss"), Matteo Scalera, Jamie the producer, and building community through friendship

-Creator mindset: Paying it forward, learning from legends like Walt Simonson, building your own audience via Kickstarter/direct sales

-Tattooing pivot: Stepping into a new medium, re-igniting growth in all areas of art, balancing with comics

-Current work: Spawn Universe covers, upcoming projects, and the power of independent creator paths vs. big publishers

-Business lessons: Retailer relationships, newsletters, avoiding burnout, and why community corporate gatekeeping

Shawn’s honest take on the industry grind, paying dues, and creating your own lane is pure gold for aspiring artists!

Follow Shawn Crystal:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inkpulp (main hub for art, tattoos, updates)

Website / Newsletter - https://inkpulp.tv (sign up for the free newsletter)

Tattoo inquiries - https://www.theblackmarker.com/ or email inkpulp@gmail.com

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/inkpulp

If you love McFarlane art, creator business talk, or tattoo/comics crossover—FOLLOW and leave a 5 STAR review :)

Support Nerdy Mewzings: Free bonus content and full episodes 24-48 hours early for only $5 per month at https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings

Share with friends & Keep it nerdy!

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro & Collecting the InkPulp Final Boss

2:30 - InkPulp Podcast Origins: Eric, Matteo, Jamie & Friendship First

5:30 - Jamie the Producer Story & Behind-the-Scenes Antics

8:30 - Irish Creator Community & Danny Earls Shoutout

11:00 - Early Comic Discovery: Dark Knight Returns & McFarlane Spider-Man

15:00 - Late Start in Comics & the Hustle Phase

19:00 - Grad School, Samples & First WildStorm Gig

23:00 - Teaching at SCAD Atlanta While Grinding Marvel/DC

27:00 - Long Gaps Between Gigs & Industry Realities

31:00 - Paying It Forward: Lessons from Walt Simonson & Others

35:00 - Tattoo Pivot: New Medium, Re-Learning & Artistic Growth

40:00 - Balancing Comics Covers, Spawn Work & Creator-Owned Plans

45:00 - Industry Landscape: Kickstarter, Retailers & Independent Paths

50:00 - Current Projects, Spawn Universe Covers & Future Teases

55:00 - Advice for Aspiring Artists: Hustle, Community & Staying Consistent

1:00:00 - Tattoo Work, InkPulp Live Streams & Building Your Own Lane

1:05:00 - Where to Follow Shawn Crystal + Outro

1:08:00 - Support Nerdy Mewzings & Keep It Nerdy

Irish comic artist Ruairi Coleman (Marvel/DC, Iron & Frost, Son of Kal-El, and now Predator: Bloodshed with Jordan Morris) joins Nerdy Mewzings for a fun chat about breaking into comics, the tight-knit Irish creator community (shoutouts to Reese Hannigan, Danny Earls & more), and his journey from small press to licensed hits.

Key highlights:

-Early beginnings: Childhood Superman/Spider-Man, X-Men cartoon influence, fumbled path via psychology degree before returning to art

-Breaking in: Dynamite (Tour Rock), Panini Star Wars, connections via Will Sliney, Kieron Gillen-era support

-Irish creator brotherhood: Reese Hannigan (Star Wars Bad Batch), Danny Earls' work ethic/background mastery, mutual door-opening

-Process: Penciling + inking own work, digital pencils with traditional finishing inks, regimented 5 AM starts, sustainability over burnout

-Predator: Bloodshed: Underground fighting tournament, heavy/grounded Predator design, world-building in a concrete jungle, fun kills ramping up

-Discipline & mindset: "Must do as a good master," small pragmatic goals, rest/recovery, showing up even on low-confidence days

-Licensed work realities: On-model challenges, notes from Lucasfilm/20th Century, balancing speed with quality

Predator: Bloodshed #1 & #2 are already out (series launched Feb 2026)—grab them at your LCS!

Support Nerdy Mewzings: Head over to https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings for FREE bonus content!

Follow Ruairi Coleman:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ruairicoleman (process, previews)

X/Twitter - https://x.com/ruairicoleman

Substack (Swingin’ Lead newsletter): https://colemancomicart.substack.com (free, bi-weekly updates)

Love Predator, licensed comics, Irish creator stories, or discipline talks for artists?

Leave a 5 STAR Review, Share with Friends, and Keep it Nerdy!

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro & Irish Creator Brotherhood (Reese Hannigan, Danny Earls & More)

2:30 - Early Beginnings: Superman, X-Men Cartoon & Small Press Roots

5:00 - Fumbled Path: Psychology Degree Before Returning to Comics

8:00 - Breaking In: Dynamite, Star Wars for Panini & Key Connections

11:00 - Irish Support Network: Door-Opening & Mutual Recommendations

14:00 - Process Evolution: Penciling + Inking Own Work, Digital vs. Traditional

18:00 - Discipline & Routine: 5 AM Starts, Sustainability & "Must Do as a Good Master"

23:00 - Predator: Bloodshed Overview (Underground Tournament, Heavy Design)

27:00 - Licensed Work Challenges: On-Model, Notes & Speed vs. Quality

31:00 - World-Building, Kills & Fun of the Predator Universe

35:00 - Balancing Superheroes, Licensed Books & Personal Projects

39:00 - Upcoming Work Teases & Socials

42:00 - Where to Follow Ruairi

44:00 - Support the Podcast & Keep It Nerdy

Joining us all the way from Greece is the incredible traditional comic book artist DaNi (Coffin Bound, Batwoman with Greg Rucka)! We chat late-night Greek style about her journey from fine arts/sculpture to full-time comics, self-publishing zines, breaking into American publishers via conventions and connections, and her love for traditional tools (brushes only—no digital!).

Key highlights:

-Early influences: Mike Mignola, Charles Burns, South American artists, and discovering obscure 70s/80s horror/erotic comics in Venice

-Indie Greek scene: Huge, diverse, political/erotic vibes; Comicdom Con turning 20!

-How she broke in: Zines at cons leading to 2000 AD, IDW, Coffin Bound with Dan Watters

-Working on Batwoman #1 (Greg Rucka, DC Next Level – out March 2026!): Research, mood boards, Greek-inspired city, action-packed issues

-Process: Heavy layouts/planning, 2-3 pages/day pencils, deadlines fuel her, weekends off for life

-Fun side: Naps as creativity recharge, hating alarms, cats (every comic artist has them!)

-Advice: Do the work first, make friends at cons, find your creative soulmate collaborator

DaNi's Batwoman series redefines Kate Kane—don't miss it! Find it at your LCS.

Follow DaNi: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danistrips (main spot for art updates)

Website/Portfolio - https://www.danistrips.com (books, Coffin Bound collections)

If you love traditional comics art, indie scenes, or Batwoman—FOLLOW and leave a 5 STAR REVIEW!

Support Nerdy Mewzings Patreon for FREE bonus content! https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings

Share with friends & Keep it nerdy!

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro & Greeting DaNi from Greece

1:30 - Late Nights, Early Mornings & Naps for Creatives

3:50 - Aging, Recovery & Loving Naps

5:20 - University in Fine Arts/Sculpture (Greek System)

8:00 - Combining Comics & Sewing for Uni Exhibition (Tales From the Strips)

10:30 - Origin of "DaNi Strips" Name & Double Entendre Fun

11:50 - Childhood Drawing, Redrawing Comic Endings & Greek Indie Scene

14:00 - European Comics Influence (Political, Erotic, Anthologies)

16:30 - Influences: Mignola, Burns, South Americans, Obscure Horror Comics

20:00 - Deciding to Go Full-Time Comics (2018, IDW Break)

23:00 - Meeting Dan Watters & Creating Coffin Bound Magic

26:00 - Breaking In: Zines at Cons, Connections Over Cold Pitches

29:00 - NYCC Adventures, Meeting Heroes & Greek/Italian Convention Cliques

33:00 - Cats, Parrots & Artist Stereotypes (Everyone Has Pets!)

37:00 - Current Work: Batwoman with Greg Rucka (Process, Research, Greek City)

42:00 - Traditional Tools Only (Brushes, CD Markers, No Digital)

45:00 - Character Development, Deadlines & Scheduling for Sanity

49:00 - Pace: Layouts Fry Brain, 2-3 Pages/Day, Weekends Off

54:00 - Excitement for Batwoman Issues + Upcoming Release

56:00 - Where to Follow DaNi + Outro

58:00 - Support the Podcast & Keep It Nerdy

Storyboard artist Keith Morange (Marvel, Disney, HBO, Katy Perry videos) joins Nerdy Mewzings to discuss pivoting from childhood Hulk/Superman comics to live-action storyboarding, why comics offer "no compromise" freedom, and his upcoming indie sci-fi graphic novel Sky Lights—a tale of UFO conspiracies, indigo kids, human-initiated contact, and deepening mystery!

Key highlights:

-Early influences: Sal Buscema Hulk, Curt Swan Superman, Greatest American Hero

-Storyboarding realities: 20-50 frames/day, loose/fast style, invisible art frustrations

-AI in art: Acceptance over resistance, useful tools vs. losing personal voice/sacredness in comics

-Sky Lights process: 200+ pages, full creator control (pencils, inks, colors, lettering), pacing like music, growth serving the story

-Discipline & mindset: Showing up on low-confidence days, rest/recovery parallels to BJJ/warrior mindset

-UFO mysteries inspiring the book, art's job to deepen the unknown

-Upcoming: Cover finished (end 2025), coloring near-complete, trailer soon, Kickstarter summer 2026—sign up on his site for notifications!

Sky Lights is self-contained story with epic scope—don't miss it!

Follow Keith Morange:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/keith_morange

Website - https://www.keithmorange.com

X/AKA Twitter - https://x.com/Keith_Morange

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@keithmorange

Love indie sci-fi, storyboarding, UFO lore, or creator discipline talks? Follow and leave a positive review!

Support Nerdy Mewzings on Patreon for bonus content coming soon! https://patreon.com/nerdymewzings

Share with friends & Keep it nerdy!

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro & Keith's Current Work (Sky Lights Coloring Near-Complete)

1:00 - Discipline: Showing Up on Low-Confidence Days

3:00 - Building Confidence Through Routine & Small Wins

5:00 - Earliest Comics Memories (Hulk, Superman, Flip Books)

7:00 - Dad's Influence & Childhood Drawing Magic

9:00 - Animation Dreams to Live-Action Storyboarding

12:00 - Storyboarding Hollywood (Clients, Speed, Customer Service)

15:00 - Loose/Fast Style vs. Finished Art Temptations

18:00 - AI in Art: Acceptance, Tools vs. Losing Personal Voice

23:00 - Storyboarding Skills in Comics (Pacing Like Music)

26:00 - Sky Lights Origins (UFO Chase, Indigo Kids, Mystery)

29:00 - Art's Job: Deepen the Mystery

31:00 - Kickstarter Summer 2026, Trailer Soon, Mailing List

33:00 - Full Graphic Novel Format, Self-Contained Story

36:00 - Warrior Mindset & Rest/Recovery Parallels to BJJ

41:00 - Consistency, Small Goals & Momentum

46:00 - Tools/Workflow (Photoshop, Potential Clip Studio Switch)

51:00 - UFO Disclosure Thoughts & Human Contact in Book

54:00 - Where to Follow Keith

57:00 - Support the Podcast & Keep It Nerdy

Thomas Pitilli is BACK on Nerdy Mewzings! One of our most popular guests EVER returns, the talented comic book artist and illustrator (Archie Comics, DC, editorial work) stops by for an incredibly insightful conversation on art, growth, and the creator journey!

We geek out over:

-His evolution from animation dreams → illustration → back to comics

-Teaching & mentoring on Patreon (portfolio reviews, one-on-one feedback)

-Common artist pitfalls: skipping fundamentals, over-relying on polish, comparison traps

-The power of traditional tools, hand inking, and hand lettering revival (Ames guide!)

-The legendary 28 Panels Challenge (February comic panel-a-day) + his Stardust story redo

-Why Artist's Editions are the ultimate art education tool (full-size originals, mistakes & all)

-Favorite editions (Alex Toth Bravo for Adventure, Neal Adams, Jim Lee X-Men & more)

Thomas shares humbly how he learns alongside his audience, fights imposter syndrome, and uses challenges to build momentum on passion projects. Huge thanks to Thomas for returning – his first episode is still top-viewed!

Follow Thomas Pitilli:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thomaspitilli

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thomaspitilli

Patreon (mentorship, portfolio reviews, process): https://www.patreon.com/thomaspitilli

Website/Commissions: http://www.thomaspitilli.com

If you love comic art, illustration, process breakdowns, or Artist's Editions – Like, comment, share, review on audio platforms

Support Nerdy Mewzings: Patreon → bonus content coming soon! https://www.patreon.com/nerdymewzings

Keep it nerdy!

Join James as he chats with legendary comic book artist Matteo Scalera (Black Science, Batman, Deadpool, Hulk, Nemesis Forever, King of Spies) — the latest 'catch' in the InkPulp crew!

Matteo shares his origin story: growing up in Italy obsessed with Dylan Dog, Spawn, 90s Image comics, and Saint Seiya (Knights of the Zodiac), attending comic schools in Milan, winning a major contest judged by Sergio Toppi, breaking into US comics via Image, his big Batman issue, long collabs with Mark Millar, switching to one-to-one traditional art, and the deeply personal inspiration behind his new creator-owned graphic novel, The Fourth Father — a 190-page family drama with superhero touches, born from becoming a dad.

We dive into process, humility at early cons, paying it forward with portfolio reviews, the InkPulp brotherhood (Eric, Jim, Shawn), and why this book means so much to him.

Don't miss this heartfelt, inspiring convo — and support The Fourth Father on Kickstarter! (Launching soon — pre-launch page live now!)

Kickstarter Pre-Launch (Notify + get free first 20 pages via newsletter): https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/inkpulp/the-fourth-father-graphic-novel-by-matteo-scalera

Matteo's Site (free preview + newsletter): https://www.matteoscalera.com/

Follow Matteo:

X - https://x.com/ScaleraMatteo

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/matteoscalera/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MatteoScaleraArt/

Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & Collecting the InkPulp Crew like Pokémon

02:00 Italian comic schools & early influences (Dylan Dog stories!)

09:00 90s comics obsession & drawing origins

18:00 First steps, contest win, & going pro

27:00 Early US cons, humbling moments, meeting Eric

35:00 Paying it forward & InkPulp crew

37:00 Marvel break, Deadpool era, Batman bestseller

40:00 Working with Mark Millar & one-to-one art switch

48:00 The Fourth Father: Fatherhood, story, process, Kickstarter details

1:03:00 Wrap-up & where to follow/support

If you love comics, art process, creator-owned stories, or just great creator chats - Follow/Review, and please Share with fellow comic loving friends.

Support the pod: Check https://www.patreon.com/nerdymewzings for bonus content coming soon. Keep it nerdy!

Join me on Nerdy Mewzings as I sit down with incredibly talented comic artist and colorist Victor Medina!

He shares his rollercoaster journey in comics—from peeking at his brother's Conan books as a kid, falling in love with '90s legends like Marc Silvestri, Jim Lee, and Todd McFarlane, to a shocking high school art class nightmare that almost derailed his passion forever. We dive deep into his comebacks: discovering new artists during hiatuses, working at Disneyland, experimenting with pinup photography to level up his understanding of color and composition, and finally breaking through by winning Mad Cave Studios' 2024 Talent Search as a colorist.

Now he's leveling up fast—finishing sequentials on the fantasy miniseries The Madcaps (his first full interiors!), jumping between pencils/inks and colors, switching to Clip Studio Paint for that perfect traditional feel digitally, and tackling upcoming projects (including a secret big one at Mad Cave).

Victor drops real talk for aspiring creators: don't quit even if you're "older" (he's 49 and just getting started!), always keep learning, seek honest feedback (shoutout to Ryan Benjamin, Steve Oliff, Alex Sinclair, and Marc Silvestri), ignore like counts, and get your work in front of editors.

He's super open—hit him up for brushes, blue-line inks to practice over, or coloring advice!

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro & catching up on live streams

04:00 Childhood comic origins & '90s influences

09:00 The insane high school art teacher story

15:00 Early convention days, Marvel chats & life breaks

20:00 Photography pivot → better colors & composition

25:00 Convention comebacks, huge praise from top pros

30:00 Mad Cave win, digital switch to Clip Studio, workflow tips

38:00 Current projects: Madcaps sequentials & more

45:00 Advice for breaking in today

52:00 Where to follow Victor & upcoming releases

Check out Victor's art

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/art_of_victormedina

-TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artofvictormedina

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victor.medina.68817

-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArtofVictorMedina

Look for The Madcaps #3 (late March-ish wrap-up) and his upcoming Mad Cave work! If you're an artist, creator, or just love comics—follow for more creator chats, leave a review if this inspired you, and share with a fellow nerd!

In this heartfelt Nerdy Mewzings Podcast episode, host James Foster sits down with comic artist and writer John Mungiello for his very first podcast ever! John shares his incredible journey from taping 90s X-Men episodes on VHS (with mom's help!) to discovering bold artists like Erik Larsen, Frank Miller, and Daniel Warren Johnson — then pivoting through fine arts school, teaching high school art, and reigniting his comic art passion during COVID to create his own stories.

We dive deep into:

-Childhood comic shop hunts and 90s influences

-Fine art vs. comics stigma and how teaching kids manga/comics changed everything

-Creative process: rhythm in panels/writing, following "feelings," leaving room for imagination

-Daily drawing habits to beat burnout/ADHD while juggling teaching and family

-His breakout graphic novel EVE: a wild, bloody holiday epic uncovering Mrs. Claus's dark origin—vengeance, broken marriage, black metal hellscapes (praised by Daniel Warren Johnson!)

-Upcoming: The Deadly Dozen, Crawler, and more creator-owned work

If you love indie comics, creator-owned stories, art journeys, or just inspiring creator chats, this one's for you!

Grab EVE on Amazon or direct from John's Official Website: https://www.johnmungiello.com/

Follow John Mungiello:

-Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jmungiello

-X/Twitter https://x.com/JMungielloArt

Follow Nerdy Mewzings for more comic creator interviews, live draws, and nerdy chats! Leave a review and share with a friend to support indie creators. Keep it nerdy!

Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Nerdy Mewzings: Meeting Artist/Writer John Mungiello

01:02 Connecting Through Instagram & Curating an Art-Only Feed

02:26 Early Influences: Cartoons, X‑Men, Batman, and the VHS Era

04:25 First Comic Shop Finds: Preacher Covers & Erik Larsen’s Spider‑Man

06:34 Nineties Style DNA: Hatching, Kirby Roots, and Favorite Artists

09:28 From Hellboy to Sin City: Miller, O’Barr, and Finding a Voice

10:32 Leveling Up: Copying, Inking Experiments, and Discovering Max Ernst

12:07 Art School to Teaching: Mixing Fine Art with Comics (and Dropping the Stigma)

16:27 Getting Serious About Comics: Early ComiXology Issues, Then a Pause for Teaching

18:40 COVID Reset & the Comeback: Posting Art, Building Skills, and Landing an Editor

21:51 Writing as Part of the Process: Poetry, Rhythm, and Creator-Owned Inspiration

24:10 YouTube University & Online Classes: Proko, Watts, and New Learning Access

27:47 Less Is More: The Power of Omission in Art & Storytelling

29:26 Influences & Breakthrough: Daniel Warren Johnson Buys a Page

31:30 The Book Reveal: From a Santa Sketch to a 160-Page Graphic Novel

36:03 Publishing & What’s Next: Deadly Dozen, Crawler, and New Collaborations

39:12 Creative Process: Writing From Images, Feelings, and “Puzzle Pieces”

42:26 Time Management & Workflow: Drawing Every Day, iPad Layouts, and Staying Human

47:35 Selling the Book, Pricing Sketches, and Where to Follow (Wrap-Up)